RV Lifestyle & Travel

Adventure, Camping, Destinations & Itineraries, RV Lifestyle & Travel

Easy and Fun Road Trips for First Time RVers

Easy and Fun Road Trips for First Time RVers Taking an RV out for the first time is very fun and exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming at the the same time. The first question you will want to answer is “where will I go?” One of the most enjoyable adventures to take in an RV is the Great American Road Trip. We have listed some of the most amazing and easily navigable road trips for first time RVers. Great American Destinations 1. Southern Sites The south is rich in interesting touristy things to do. From the most amazing comfort food to rich history, to southern charm and hospitality. Travel down the roads connecting these major southern cities: Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; and St. Augustine, Florida. 2. Gulf Coast Start in Galveston, Texas and make your way over to Florida’s Emerald Coast and down to the Florida keys. You will take in some of the most amazing waterfront scenery and great small cities along the way. 3. Famed Pacific Coast Hwy The stuff of so many movies. Everyone in their lifetime should find a way to travel down California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway. Amazing ocean views on one side, and gorgeous tall redwoods on the other, must-do stops include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Luis Obispo. Budget Friendly Looking to get your feet wet in the RV world with a smaller and more budget friendly trip? We have some great suggestions for you. 1. State Park There are many state parks all over the country and many of them have very affordable campgrounds. Right here in Washington State we have some of the most beautiful state parks, including Mt. Rainer. Just punch “state parks” into a web search engine for any state you are interested in, and find out all you need to know about state park activities and camping. 2. Beach Get Away Who doesn’t love the beach or even a lakeside retreat. You don’t have to go very far at all in a Seattle RV rental to find some of the the world’s most amazing beaches. May we suggest an island getaway in the San Juans? Or the sandy beaches of Ocean Shores? 3. Woodsy “Staycation” There is no place like the woods right in your own backyard. Take a trip up the North Cascades Highway to find a number of great classic wooded camping destinations. Or travel up into the maintain passes for great camping spots, such as Leavenworth on Highway 2. For more great camping information and to find a great place to rent an RV in Seattle, please browse our website or contact us for more information.

Adventure, RV, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Maintenance & Care, RV Ownership Tips

Renting Your RV Opens Up a World of Opportunity

Renting Your RV Opens Up a World of Opportunity Right now the RV industry is booming. More and more people are choosing to put their money in experiences rather than material belongings. Travel is trendy, especially camping and RV-ing. It is a great low-cost way to get out and have an adventure. People aren’t just taking RVs on the great American road trip or to cross Yellowstone off their bucket list. As music festivals become the place to be, more and more people are grabbing RVs to set up right outside the venue without missing any of the action. Want to hit the theme parks? You can save hundreds by staying in an RV instead of a hotel. There are so many people looking to purchase or rent an RV right now. If you own an RV, it has never been a better time to rent it out because of the demand for them. Here are four benefits to renting out your RV when you aren’t using it. 1. Cover the Payments An average class A motor home can rent for anywhere from $100 to $200 a night. By renting your RV occasionally on a regular basis it can easily cover your RV payment, meaning you get to vacation for almost nothing. 2. Fight Depreciation Like cars, RVs rapidly lose their value with time and use. Some say that an RV is worth only half its original price 6 years after purchase. Take some of the brunt off of the depreciation by having your RV pay for itself. 3. Lower or No Storage Fees Using a leaseback program with a rental company allows for little to no storage fees. The company has a spacious lot for the fleet they keep, and renting through the company allows you to keep your RV in their lot. 4. Easy Winterizing and Maintenance Working with a rental company will bring an agreed contract on what maintenance the company will provide, as well as the cost. (Usually it is taken out of the rental profits.) The company has to ensure that each RV they rent is in top shape so you know your RV will be well taken care of even in the off season. 5. Possibility of Turning a Profit Many RV renters have been so successful in renting that they have decided to turn it into a business. Maybe not a quit-your-job kind of business, but a great side business to help bring in some more money for bigger vacations or a nice nest egg for retirement. Read more about making a profit with NW Adventure Rentals’ Leaseback program For more information about the leaseback program at Northwest Adventure Rentals, please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime.

Adventure, Campgrounds, Camping in Washington State, Destinations & Itineraries, RV Lifestyle & Travel

5 Hidden Gem Campgrounds to Visit in the Pacific Northwest

5 Hidden Gem Campgrounds to Visit in the Pacific Northwest If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll have to check out our picks for the area’s most unique and hidden campgrounds. Some you may already know about, or you may be discovering them for the first time. Let’s get right to it! Camp Sherman – Deschutes Forest off Hwy 20 by Black Butte Ranch a few hours outside Portland. What’s so special about this place? It’s open year round in one of the most scenic and picturesque places in the state. Pets are allowed. Sites are next to the Metolius River in the middle of the forest with an abundance of recreational activities. Hiking, fishing, biking, and backpacking will send you out on a great day of adventure. When you’re ready to retire, come back to the warmth of your RV, start up a roaring fire and kick back under the stars. Diamond Lake – Located in Southern Oregon at an elevation of over 5,000 feet, this unique lake provides a multitude of recreational activites including fishing, boating, biking and hiking. There are lots of trails to explore and the campground is in the middle of the Umpqua Forest. There are over 200 sites here with restrooms, water, picnic tables and campfire rings. The famous Pacific Crest Trail is also accessible near the campground. Fort Stevens State Park – Looking for more man-made adventure? Check out the bunkers at the Fort Stevens State Park in Hammond, Oregon. Over 4,000 acres make up this unique park full of history and nature. Get lost in the dark bunkers and play a game of hide-and-seek in places no one would dare go! They have camping spots, a beach, cabins, beautiful scenery and much more! 170 full hook up sites, 15 yurts, bike rentals, and restrooms with hot showers. Kayak Point – Lets go about 4 hours straight north to the small coastal town of Stanwood, Washington. Kayak Point is about an hour north of Seattle and offers a beautiful beach setting. The campground features a boat launch, picnic shelters, playgrounds, restrooms, swimming and even a vacation house. This saltwater beach park is along the shores of Port Susan and offers a rich setting perfect for fishing, windsurfing, crabbing, hiking, and boating. There are only 30 campsites, but all have hook-ups and water as well as a lot of privacy Paradise Creek Campground – Located in Carson Washington on Wind River Road, this out-of-the-way camping spot receives excellent ratings. Nestled in the national forest under a blanket of oversized firs and cedars, the park offers a good mix of privacy, lush undergrowth, and a spacious site perfect for mingling and entertaining. The river offers great fishing and there are stunning views of Mt. Adams with great hiking, biking and trail exploration. Have you been to any of these parks? Let us know! Have a better one you think we should add? Tell us! We love exploring the Pacific Northwest-and it’s even more enjoyable in a NW Adventure Rentals RV or travel trailer from our Seattle location! Book now!

Adventure, Camping, RV Lifestyle & Travel

Great Tips for Camping with Toddlers and Infants

Great Tips for Camping with Toddlers and Infants Preparing for an RV adventure with little ones requires a bit more planning and preparation than camping with older children. If something is left behind, it is much harder to make do without it. A comforting item that the child always uses is hard to replace when they find it isn’t there, largely due to the fact that toddlers and infants just do not have the brain development to understand how to deal with those situations yet. If you are planning a fun outdoor adventure with your sweet little ones, here are some things to think about while preparing, and some things to have on the packing list before you set out on the road. Golden rule when packing for small children; it is okay to take more than you will need. It is better to be over prepared than under prepared. There are many articles written about packing for camping, instructing you not to overdo it on the items you bring, but in this case you can’t be too prepared. Start with making a list. Even the most gifted people with photographic memories are bound to forget a thing or two if they don’t make a list. Make a list first and check items off as they get packed. Comfort Items and Favorite Items Start with their favorite things they use everyday and will not be able to survive without. Tip: a tarp or plastic shower curtain topped off with a blanket makes a great place to sit and enjoy playing with toys outside. Outdoor Friendly Clothes Pack clothes in pre-organized outfits. You can do this by either folding clothes together or placing each outfit in their own separate plastic bag to make changing time a little more quick and easy. Hygiene Supplies Dishes and Food Camping with littles will be a great and fun adventure you will remember for a lifetime, especially when you have all the things you need on hand. NW Adventure Rentals makes it easy to camp with small children with our luxury fleet of motorhomes and travel trailers in Seattle. For more great camping tips and information on RV rentals, please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime.

Adventure, Destinations & Itineraries, RV Lifestyle & Travel

A Trip You Can Take the Furry Family Members On

A Trip You Can Take the Furry Family Members On If you have a pet or two in your home, you have probably dealt with the extra planning of finding pet care while you go on vacation. Every time you leave you have to ask someone to come over and be with your fur baby, or pay a large sum of money to board them in a place that you worry won’t give your pet the best care and attention. Thankfully, there are some great vacation options available for people with furry family members, and one of the best is an RV trip. There are many numerous RV parks and campgrounds that are pet friendly. Some even have Fido in mind and offer perks and amenities to pet owners. You do want to make sure that while you are planning your RV vacation, you are finding pet friendly parks as not all parks allow domestic animals. Some parks go all out for furry guests and offer off-leash areas, agility play courses, swimming ponds, and even a separate space for bathing your pets. There are even parks that have special fishing spots to bring your doggy friend along. More and more campsites, RV parks, and resort areas are popping up that are pet friendly as the demand and popularity for them is growing. Another plus to having your pet along for the trip is that not only are you able to know they are in good hands, but they get to get out and have adventure and exercise which they may not get staying at home. A family trip is made all the more memorable when every member of the family is there. You do want to make sure that you rent an RV that is OK for pets, and this is where NW Adventure Rentals comes to the rescue; nearly all of our luxury motorhome and travel trailer rentals are pet-friendly, plus we have gorgeous fleets ready to be whisked away on your next adventure in our Seattle! For more information on taking your furry family members on your next RV outing, please contact us.

Adventure, Camping, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

How to Keep Items in an RV Cabinet Secure

How to Keep Items in an RV Cabinet Secure An RV is basically a very scaled back version of a home that moves about on wheels. When you go on an RV adventure, you take some of the niceties of home with you and many of those items are tucked away into the RV cabinets including dishes, cookware, toiletries, food, etc. So while you are bumping along the road, how does one keep these items secure and in place inside the cabinets? RVs have been produced for quite a number of years and there have been many improvements and advancements made to the RV since the first models. Today, RV manufacturers are making cabinets that have steady and secure latching systems to help ensure that doors don’t go flying open while the RV is in transit. As for keeping items from sliding around in cabinets while you are traveling, there are a few things you can do. Start with the shelves themselves. There are many great non stick shelving liners on the market from pricey varieties found at RV supply stores to basic but just as useful varieties of good old fashion contact paper sold at nearly any market or any other superstore. Whatever non-slip shelf liner you choose, simply cut the non slip lining to size and place it on the shelves. Now you are ready to place things in your cabinets with less sliding. Another method many longtime RVers use is to pad the space between items. Some people like to use their kitchen towels for this. Since you will be using them anyway, make them even more useful when traveling down the road by placing them between breakables in the cupboards. You can also use cut up pool noodles or pieces of poly foam pipe insulation to pad the open spaces between items in the cupboard. Whatever item you choose, they will all do the job of preventing glass and other breakable materials from clacking, bumping, or rubbing together. Before you leave and head out on the open road in your RV, it is always good to check and make sure everything is secure. Make sure every cupboard has been closed and fully latched shut. If you are still worried about the possibility of a cabinet door coming open during your ride, you can secure doors further with baby latches or make shift latches made from rubber bands. You should be ok with just making sure the cabinet is fully closed. With your belongings secure and slip-free, you are ready to head out on the road in search of your next outdoor adventure. For more great camping tips and tricks please feel free to browse our website. For more information on renting a gorgeous, luxury RV from NW Adventure Rentals’ Seattle fleet, don’t hesitate to contact us at anytime.

Adventure, RV, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

Tips for Just Getting in the RV and Going

Tips for Just Getting in the RV and Going Have you ever just wanted to load up the family in the RV and head out? There are people that plan everything, so for them, the sound of this can be a nightmare… but for others that like to live spontaneously, loading up the RV and heading out into the unknown seems like a dream. If you are one of those more spontaneous/adventurer types, this is the post for you. The ironic thing is, if you’re planning on just getting in the car and going, you’re probably not doing any sort of planning such as reading blogs or researching the best way to do it but, if you happen to come across this post by chance, it’s a good read so that when you do get the urge to go camping on a whim, you are prepared. The first thing you need to consider is the time of year. If you’re planning on renting an RV for the weekend or for a week or two, you need to know that camping in the summer can get very crowded and it might be difficult to find a camping spot. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t go. Many Walmart parking lots will allow campers and RVs to spend the night right in the parking lot without paying anything. It’s a good alternative if you can’t find an actual campground for the night. If you plan on camping in the fall, winter or early spring, chances are you’re more likely to find a campground but they might be closed during the winter. Campgrounds will usually have discounts during the off-season but you may have to deal with a little bit more inconveniences. A lot of times campgrounds will repair bathrooms, showers or amenities during the off-season, so you may not be able to use these amenities but you might get a discount because of it. Unless you have your own RV ready to go, you’re probably going to rent one. You can also find discounts on rentable RVs during the off-season and you might get deal such as two-for-one, by two nights and get the third for free etc. NW Adventure Rentals is the place to go if you’re looking for an affordable, luxury RV to rent for your travels! If you have your own RV you might want to stock it with some items that allow you to get in and go whenever you want. These might be coats, blankets, pillows, bedding, towels, and some basic food items that won’t spoil for a few months such as spices and canned goods. Perishables will of course need to be loaded up when you decide to go. If you’re renting an RV you might consider having a few bags ready to go so that you can throw them into the RV and just head out. This could be a few basic clothing items, blankets and towels as we mentioned before. One of the best things about spontaneous camping is where you’re going. Just head out and see where you end up! North, South, East or West – Get out there, explore somewhere you’ve never been before and have a blast! Contact us today for information on reserving a gorgeous, luxury RV from NW Adventure Rentals’ Seattle fleet for a great camping adventure.

Adventure, RV, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

Rent an RV and Save Money on Your Next Ski Trip

Rent an RV and Save Money on Your Next Ski Trip Here in the Pacific Northwest, skiing and snowboarding are the king of winter outdoor activities. The most dedicated of snow bums find it most adventurous and cost effective to sleep in their cars or take an RV up to the mountains. There is a whole culture of RVing mountain lovers and a large number of amazing ski resorts with RV lots. One of the best ways to rent an RV in Seattle in the winter is to go on a low budget ski trip. With all the great mountain resorts and ski destinations in your backyard, skiing can get expensive fast. A night in a hotel or ski cottage, a lift ticket, food, etc. add up rapidly. It can be enough to keep some snow lovers from hitting the slopes as often as they would like in a season. However, there is a way you can get out on the mountain more often and enjoy your favorite winter sports, and that is to save money by renting an RV from NW Adventure Rentals and heading up to a ski resort with RV space. We have listed the best Northwest Ski resorts for RVing. Now that you know all of the best spots to camp and ski in the Northwest, we say get out there and hit the slopes. Looking to rent an RV around Seattle? NW Adventure Rentals has an abundance of luxurious, fully stocked motorhomes and travel trailers to meet your RV needs. For more information, browse our website or contact us anytime.

Adventure, Camping, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

RV Group Camping Tips

RV Group Camping Tips Group RV camping is a fun chance to get away with your favorite group of friends and/or family, relax, enjoy the most beautiful outdoor spaces, and just have fun. There are campgrounds that offer group camping spaces with adjoining campsites so you can all be together without having to leave your RV space. If you are planning a group camping trip it can quickly get overwhelming, stressful or out of control trying to appease everyone and plan activities that will work for a large group. To alleviate stress and ensure a harmonious experience for all participants, consider implementing these invaluable tips for planning a group RV camping trip: Ask Everyone for Preferences, Make a Checklist Streamlining Trip Planning for Group Efficiency and Cohesion Facilitating the Group’s Camping involves Open Communication and Flexibility Camping setup: Securing Campsites and Coordinating Dates Planning a Menu One of the most fun parts of group RV camping is the meals you will be enjoying together. Some ideas for putting together a group camping meal plan include: Each Camping Group Takes a Meal at a Time Depending on the amount of families/couples/smaller groups you could have each unit of people take one meal, be in charge of one meal time for the whole trip i.e. breakfasts, or have each unit take charge of a whole day. Each Camping Group Takes Turns to help with the Main Dish Planning This is not as seemingly overwhelming and if you have picky eaters or special dietary needs allows for more wiggle room. Each family can take turns with the main entree dish for a meal and everyone else can provide a side dish. This way if someone is not a fan of the main entree or can’t eat the item being served they can contribute something to the meal they do like or works with their diet. Additionally, everyone in the group brings their own food stuff and cooking appliances. All these are good plans and whatever works best for your group is the best option. Leave Some Wiggle Room/Be prepared to Go with the Flow Sometimes Provide a general framework for the trip, but don’t pack plans in so tight that things become stressful and fall apart making everyone miserable. You are there to relax and enjoy time together. Allow for the freedom of going with the flow at times. If you plan a guided tour or day trip make sure to structure those big plans, but also leave time for just hanging out and giving people the freedom to split off from the larger group as a whole once in a while. Some people may want to play a game of horseshoes while others may want to do some crafts or go for a swim. Then there are those that could use a recharge by getting away on their own and reading a book or taking a walk. You may find some of the most memorable moments are during those laid back, relaxed, do- whatever-you-want moments. For more great camping tips or information on RV rentals please feel free to browse our site or contact us anytime, and visit our website to view our gorgeous, luxury fleet of RVs from NW Adventure Rentals’ Seattle location!

Adventure, Camping, RV, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

How to Operate RV Slide Outs

How to Operate RV Slide Outs They have many names, pull outs, tip outs, bump outs, extension rooms, but are probably most commonly referred to as slide outs. No matter their name, a slide out gives much more usable space to get comfy during an outdoor adventure. Slide-outs are a moving piece of the RV and though they are made to make life easier they do need some care. Making sure you are correctly using the slide outs in an RV is important to their functionality and length of use before needing repair or maintenance. The first thing you want to do when setting up camp before pushing out the slide outs is to ensure your RV is level. After the RV is level check to make sure all latches are released. Next look around the RV for any obstructions that might not give ample clearance for the slide out to be opened up. Now check the interior of the RV for throw rugs, open cabinets, and doors that could get in the way of the moving slide out area. ( It is not uncommon for a cabinet door to get taken off because the RV operator forgot to close a cabinet before operating the slide out.) Lastly check the edges of the slide out to make sure the edge seals are not sticking. Now you should be ready to push the slide out button. If the slide out does not move upon pushing the button, don’t panic. The first thing you want to do for a slide out that doesn’t move is to check if it is getting power in the moving mechanism. You can do this by checking the circuit breaker for a blown fuse. First check the breaker or fuse panel, if everything checks out there check the battery compartment and the wiring harness near the motor that drives the slide mechanism. If the motor sounds like it is straining to work and the lights dim when the slide out button is pushed, voltage is low or the mechanisms are binding. Look at the bottom of the mechanism to see if there are any corroded, broken or damaged parts. If you have checked everything that could possibly be wrong and are still stumped look to see if there is a manual override. This is designed as a backup to operate the slide out system in mechanical failure. Usually a manual override in a hydraulic system will require the pressure to be released in the ram by opening up the valve and then either pushing or pulling the slide out room open or closed. Simple mechanical systems will have a hand crank, but the motor may need to be removed to turn the gears. If the slide out is on a cable system there will be an adapter to set up a drill to act as the motor. To discover what type of slide out system your RV has and how to manually override the motor look in the owner’s manual. When renting an RV with slide outs make sure that you are familiar with how the slide out system is operated by asking someone on the rental team. They will be happy to show you the ins and outs of the particular RV you will be renting if you are not familiar and answer any questions you may have. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation! Image By Variomobil (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons